Maybe I Will Become a Socialist

Probably not, but the impending divorce of Jamie and Frank McCourt (co-owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers) gives one pause for thought.  Here are some of her requests of him, to help her "maintain" her lifestyle:

• Paid Business dinners and lunches, 5 days a week
• Unlimited travel expenses
• 24 hour security
• Oh yeah - flowers at her desk
• I'm guessing at least one residence, because they own "tens of millions of dollars worth of residential real estate in the U.S. and Mexico"

Now, in addition to these "perks" of food, shelter, and luxury travel, she also wants alimony.  The news reports differ, but the minimum number is around $330,000, and I've seen numbers close to half a million.  Not a year.  A month.  She expects as much money in a month as many Americans earn in around 10 years. 

Now, don't pick completely on her.  If she wants this, you can imagine what he has or makes.  Most reports claim that their net worth is about 1.2 billion, though most of that is from the estimated value of the Dodgers..

The court papers are fairly damning as to their extravagant lifestyle, apparently paid for by the Dodgers.  Geez, one would think if you were worth 1.2 Billion you could pay for some things yourself.

"Travel. Frank and I travel frequently, both for personal and business reasons. Everything is always first class." .... "When we fly, we usually fly on private planes, typically a Gulfstream-IV, through Net Jets paid by the Dodgers." ... "We always stay in suites when available at the nicest of accommodations, such as The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels. It is not uncommon for us to spend $1,000 or more per night at hotels." ... "It was not uncommon for the two of us to spend $400 on dinner when dining out together."

An NBC Sports Blog writes:

"...based on Jamie McCourt's description of the Dodgers' owners' lifestyle -- constant private jet travel at $12K an hour, hotel rooms which never cost under $1000 a night,  six dinners out a week at $400+ a pop, etc. etc. -- I'm going to get medieval on anyone who suggests the players are the greedy ones who make too much money to play a kid's game."

 On the bright side, the LA Times has obtained a copy of some of her court papers, and she does (claim) to give about $31,000 a month to charities.  Here are some more court papers.